Deer Rut in Killarney National Park

Sunday 18th October Deer Rut in Killarney National Park

Sean O'Callaghan providing great insight and knowledge to reward everyone who got up so early on a Sunday morning.

Below is  small collection of pictures from the event.

An early start

Taking control and showing whose boss
In the first picture bellowing, followed by intimidation

The tips of the antlers showing signs of wear and tear

Taking a break

Male and female; showing the stark contrast between them in the breeding season (Rut)

Some of the other sights:also seen was a red squirrel

Horse Chestnut

Sweet Chestnut

Long Tailed Tit

Snowberry

Another sighting closely related to the annual rut

Killarney Deer Rut

The group spread out observing a red deer stag.

The outing was led by Chris Barron a Field Studies Co-ordinator with the Killarney National Park Education Centre which is located in the Demesne. With an early start the group took a circular route around the demesne, allowing observation the deer in a number of settings; from open areas to woodland.

Deer Rut With Colin Heaslip

Sunday, 20th October, Killarney National Park

On Sunday morning, I woke-up to the sound of rain water overflowing my gutters and crashing on to the footpath below. First, I thought it's time I clear out my gutters, and then, I thought our Deer Rut event was going to be a wash-out. However, as we travelled towards Killarney the rain abated and the clouds began to allow that clean crisp light of the morning through. Things continued on the up after that.